Motor Skills Workout Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A batting practice device for developing and enhancing a baseball player&#39;s batting skills. The device provides a computer program, control module, batting target with a display module and a target mounted display. The bat may have a weighted end or a weight within the body of the bat, which will develop batter&#39;s upper body strength.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to exercise devices and, more specifically, to a motor skills workout apparatus for developing and enhancing an individual's eye hand coordination, muscular coordination and strength, and rehabilitative pattern training regardless of age.

Motor skills for the purposes of this patent is a pattern of movements to achieve a goal that are practiced to become proficient in their execution.

The invention provides an apparatus having a housing with a front side, spaced apart back side with side walls extending there between. Within the front wall is a target area having a plurality of pressure measuring targets with one or more receiving pressure applied by a user when prompted by a visual/audible indicator that is actuated through apparatus processor software executing selectable predefined task module(s) or user customized task module(s).

The apparatus having power supply, processor, memory, comparator, NFC and electronic storage, provides user interface software and a plurality of selectively executable predefined modules each performing a unique series of tasks for the aforementioned purpose of developing and enhancing a user's eye hand coordination, muscular coordination and strength, and rehabilitative pattern training regardless of age, with the typical task comprising actuation of a task-start indicator, followed by actuation for a specified period of time of a predetermined user target indicator within the target area, recording and storing applied user target pressure and actuating a task-result notification indicator as user feedback.

Each target within the target area incorporates an actuatable target indicator that when actuated signals a user to impact the indicated target with the user's pressure acting on a temporarily deformable material, such as piezoelectric material generating a measurable electrical signal under pressure or measuring compression of a spring through force transducer to calculate the user target impact pressure and display a predetermined informational task-result notification.

The task-result notification can be actuation of a visual and/or audible indicator, such as a tone or lamp illumination or an apparatus display exhibiting a task-result message. The task-result notification in its simplest form is a tone or lamp task-result indicator that emits a tone or lamp color for successful completion of the task and another tone or lamp color illumination for failure of task completion.

Task-result messages on the apparatus display are more informative than a pass or fail indicator, as aforementioned, considering the purpose of the apparatus is to encourage use to enhance motor skills muscular strength and coordination, therefore, messages displayed include messages to encourage use, such as, displaying the actual pressure measured or displaying the actual pressure measured as a percentage of the task's desired target pressure.

The instant invention further envisions medical uses for individuals whose motor skills have been compromised through illness or accident enabling users through the motor skills apparatus to acquire motor skills through practice. As a medical physical therapy device the device provides means for repetitive pattern movement in applying pressure to an indicated target area. Providing a plurality of targets employees a cognitive ability to identify the actuated target indictor. Furthermore, employing additional colors with only one color designating the correct target involves decision making skills.

Preferably, the motor skill apparatus has a plurality of pressure measuring devices each having visual and/or audible target indicator signaling a user to impact the indicated target area impinging pressure on the target area measuring device.

Further development of motor skills through manual impact of pressure measuring targets can be incorporated into a rotative boxing target where the apparatus emulates a human form upper torso with a plurality of pressure measuring targets embedded therein that are actuated randomly a cyclical number of times as defined by the task module.

The apparatus is useful in sports training where a user impacts a projectile with bat-like equipment to enhance motor skills (the ability to execute a pattern of movement to achieve a desired outcome) that can be honed through practice.

In a preferred embodiment of the motor skills workout apparatus having a plurality of targets with a corresponding number of pressure measuring devices, further provides a target striker comprising a longitudinal body having a handle on one end and a striker head on the other end. The striker head has at least one exterior sensor in communication with a circuit incorporating near field communication (NFC) for transmitting striker head sensor information to the apparatus circuit.

The striker head sensor having a substantially planar surface may provide a vector measurement through determination of what portion of the sensor impacted the target first so that in addition to calculating distance (the user impact pressure on target) direction (vector) can be used to calculate whether the projected impact trajectory is within predetermined parameters. Is it a foul ball, fly ball, ground ball, etc., other determinations can be made by limiting actuation of the target indicator, such as strike—target impacted after deactivating target indicator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There are other devices which provide for motion practice. While these devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they where designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

It is thus desirable to provide an apparatus incorporating executing predefined cyclical pattern movements involving applying pressure to an actuated target; measuring user applied pressure to the designated target; providing task result feedback to the user.

It is further desirable to provide a motor skills batting practice apparatus comprising an apparatus housing having a front side with a plurality of targets each having a target indicator and a pressure measuring device and a striker implement having a handle portion and a sensor head portion for selectively hitting a designated target.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus incorporating pressure measuring device, target indicator and task-result notification for the purpose of increasing a user's motor skills.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus having a plurality of pressure measuring devices, corresponding target indicator, task-result notification and apparatus software for selectively actuating one of said plurality of target indicators.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus wherein said apparatus software provides predefined session modules comprising actuating a target indicator and task-result notification in cyclical fashion for a predetermined number of cycles.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus with computer memory storage device for storing retrievable user historical task-results.

An additional object of the motor skills workout apparatus is to provide a striker having a longitudinal body with a handle on one distal end and fastener for attaching a sensor head thereto so that a user uses the striker to impact the apparatus actuated target indicator.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus to acquire increased strength and eye hand coordination through practice of repeated pattern movements using an interactive pressure measuring apparatus by performing the task of manually impacting/depressing a designated pressure measuring device providing task result feedback notification.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus to acquire increased strength and eye hand coordination through practice of repeated pattern movements using an interactive pressure measuring apparatus by performing the task of striking a target area having a corresponding designated pressure measuring device using a provided striker to impact a target area from a plurality of target areas with the apparatus providing task result feedback notification.

A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus incorporating a circuit having a power source, processor, memory, and software whereby a user can select a predefined session module from a plurality of modules.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus having predefined session modules targeting one or more types of pitches, such as fast ball, knuckle ball, slider, curve, high ball, low ball, inside or outside pitches or a completely random module that will illuminate any of the illuminable target elements.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus wherein each of the plurality of target areas has an impact portion with a centrally disposed illuminateable portion providing for the illumination of said illuminateable portion.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a motor skills workout apparatus having a message display providing feedback to the batter after impacting one of said target areas.

Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a motor skills workout apparatus for developing and enhancing baseball players batting skills. The device provides a computer program, control module, and target with an optional display module and target mounted display. It should also be noted that the bat may have a weighted end or a weight within the body of the bat, which will develop batter's upper body strength.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawing, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the batting practice device of the present invention in use.

FIG. 2A depicts a user holding a striker awaiting a pitched ball.

FIG. 2B shows a user attempting to hit a computer actuated target.

FIG. 2C shows a user hitting the correct computer actuated target.

FIG. 2D shows a striker having a recoil by virtue of a memory retentive resistive element.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the batting target of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the batter target of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the batter target of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of the computer application controlled illuminable elements.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of an additional element of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view of an embodiment of the control module of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of monitor of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the batting target mounted to an interior wall.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the batting target mounted to an interior wall.

FIG. 12 shows a motor skills workout apparatus that the user impacts with their hands.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the present invention used as a tactile measuring device used as a physical therapy rehabilitative device.

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of the motor skills workout apparatus used in conjunction with a striker.

FIG. 15 shows an enlarged force transducer having a plurality of different color LED's.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the batting practice device of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.

-   20 motor skills workout apparatus -   22 user of 20 -   24 mat of 20 -   26 plate of 24 -   28 gloves of 20 -   30 belt of 20 -   32 striker of 20 -   34 housing of 20 -   36 circuit of 20 -   38 front side of 34 -   40 back side of 34 -   42 side of 34 -   44 base of 34 -   46 feedback monitor 34 -   48 speaker of 34 -   50 indicator of 34 -   52 target area of 34 -   54 target of 52 -   56 target lightpath bore of 54 -   58 LED target indicator of 34 -   60 pressure measuring device of 54 -   62 stationary impact sleeve of 60 -   64 memory retentive resistive element of 60 -   66 displaceable anterior head of 60 -   68 displaceable posterior head of 60 -   70 sensor impact register sleeve 60 -   72 longitudinal body of 32 -   74 handle of 72 -   76 fastener of 72 -   78 sensor head of 32 -   80 sensor of 78 -   82 sensor leads of 78 -   84 circuit incorporating NFC of 78 -   86 menu interface display -   88 menu selector control switch -   90 on/off switch -   92 volume control -   94 circuit leads of 36 -   96 motor -   98 rotating

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, shown is an illustrative view of an embodiment of the motor skills workout apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is a motor skills workout apparatus 20 for baseball providing housing 34 having front side 38, back side 40 and sides 42 with the front side 38 having target area 52 with a plurality a plurality of pressure measuring target 54 thereon each having target lightpath bore 56 therein. Striker 32 having longitudinal body 72 and sensor head 78 incorporating circuit 84 is used for striking one of said targets 54 when illuminated.

Typically, in batting practice either a pitcher or a machine repetitively throws baseballs to a batter, which constitutes batting practice. The present invention provides computer application means that when used in conjunction with apparatus 20 and striker 32 enables batting practice that can focus on a particular type of pitch, such as curveball, fastball, sinker, knuckleball, etc. or a random compilation of pitches to enhance the batters reaction time. The device provides an indicator 50 that when illuminated signals a pitched ball and monitor 46 displaying type of pitch followed by timed illumination of a target element to be hit using striker 32 with the apparatus 20 detecting whether the illuminated target 54 was impacted and the pressure of the impact all of which is recorded in computer memory storage for a particular user.

The computer application provides a plurality of pitching modules cyclically repeating the aforementioned illuminate indicator 50, display pitch message on monitor 46, illuminate a target element 54, record batter's target contact and pressure of impact with the computer module performing the cyclical task for a predetermined number of times.

In addition to enhancing a batter's response time, strength training is also provided by increasing the striker weight as opposed to the weight of the typical bat.

Furthermore, the target elements are static devices each having a memory retentive resistive element 64 in contact with the stationary target element 62 so that upon impact the target's resistive element 64 is driven away from contact with the stationary target element 62, enabling measurement of the force impact, before returning to its pre impact position engaging the stationary target element 62, which will cause a force to be transmitted back to the striker. In other words, there will be kickback impinged on striker 32 requiring the batter to exercise muscles in a direction that is not currently available.

The baseball embodiment further provides mat 24, plate 26, gloves 28, belt 30, with housing 34 having front side 38, backside 40 and sides 42 incorporating feedback monitor 46, speaker 48, base 44, and circuit 36.

Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2D, shown is an illustrative view of the motor skills workout apparatus in use. FIG. 2A depicts a user 22 holding striker 32 awaiting actuation of indicator 50 informing the user of a pitched ball and imminent actuation of one of the target indicators 56 via respective LED 58, shown in FIG. 3. Target indicator 56 actuation timing is a function of the type of pitch, knuckle ball actuates a target sooner than a fast ball. Referring to FIG. 2B, once a target indicator 56 is actuated in conjunction with a short message of the type of pitch, user 22 attempts to hit the computer actuated target 54. Depicted in FIG. 2C, the user has hit the correct computer actuated target 54. If the user had hit the wrong target area, message board 46 would inform the user. The present invention further provides predefined modules that calculate the ball trajectory, such as foul ball, 200 feet, 300 feet, etc. Referring to FIG. 2D, depicted is striker 32 having a recoil by virtue of the memory retentive resistive element 64.

Referring to FIG. 3, shown is a partial sectional view of the apparatus front side target elements and memory retentive resistive elements therebehind. Depicted is front side 38 having a plurality of stationary target portions 62 with centrally disposed target aperture 56 whereby a respective LED target indicator 58 positioned in the apparatus back side 40 is illuminated through computer software as the software module target 54 with a respective memory retentive resistive element 64 abutting target element 62 backside.

Referring to FIG. 4, shown is a partial sectional top plan view of the motor skills workout apparatus with targets having resistive elements in electrical communication with apparatus circuit. Depicted is front side 38 having a plurality of targets 54 within target area 52 each having lightpath bore 56 with targets 54 comprising stationary target impact sleeve 62 housing displaceable anterior head 66 having memory retentive resistive element 64 attached to displaceable posterior head 68 within sensor impact register sleeve 70 in electrical communication with apparatus circuit 36 whereby a respective LED target indicator 58 positioned within sensor register impact sleeve 70 is illuminated through computer software as the software module target 54 with the impact or lack thereof recorded and stored in user memory storage of apparatus circuit 36.

Referring to FIG. 5, shown is a partial top plan view of an illuminated target element. Illustrated is an LED 58 actuated through computer module software of 36 emitted through target lightpath bore 56 thereby illuminating a specific target 54 from the plurality of targets within target area 52 whereupon a user hits the illuminated target 54 with striker 32 causing force displacement of displaceable anterior head 66 and compression of the memory retentive resistive element 64 impinged on displaceable posterior head 64 within sensor impact register sleeve 70. Striker 32 having sensor head 78 with sensors 80 in electrical communication with circuit 84 enabled with near field communication (NFC) transmitting the striker sensor data to apparatus circuit 36 recording the user data into user storage data.

Referring to FIG. 6, shown is a partial sectional view of the back side of the motor skills workout apparatus. Depicted is backside 40 of housing 34 providing user menu interface display 86 for accessing, editing, deleting and modifying apparatus programming, predefined modules and user data. Also shown is menu control 94 for navigating between menu displays and apparatus volume control 92. Housing 34 has base 44 with circuit 36 mounted therein with circuit leads 96 in electrical communication with each of targets 54 having LED target indicator 58.

Referring to FIG. 7, shown is the apparatus circuit board. Illustrated is apparatus housing 34 having circuit 36 incorporating circuit means for storing, accessing, updating, editing, modifying and deleting apparatus programming, predefined task modules, users profile data and users historical task execution data.

Referring to FIG. 8, shown is a partial sectional view of the motor skills workout apparatus. Illustrated is motor skills workout apparatus 20 having housing 34 with front side 38 having target area 52 with a plurality a plurality of pressure measuring target 54 thereon each having target lightpath bore 56 therein. Apparatus 20 provides computer application means that when used in conjunction with apparatus 20 and striker 32 enables batting practice that can focus on a particular type of pitch. The device provides indicator 50 that when illuminated signals a pitched ball and monitor 46 displaying type of pitch followed by timed illumination of a target to be hit using striker 32 that detects whether the illuminated target 54 was impacted and the pressure of the impact all of which is recorded in computer memory storage for a particular user.

The computer application provides a plurality of pitching modules cyclically repeating the aforementioned illuminate indicator 50, display pitch message on monitor 46, illuminate a target element 54, record batter's target contact and pressure of impact with the computer module performing the cyclical task for a predetermined number of times.

Referring to FIG. 9, shown is a partial cutaway view of the striker of the present invention. The striker 32 comprises a longitudinal body portion 72 having a handle 74 on one distal end and a fastening element 76 for attaching sensor head 78 thereto having sensors 80 and sensor leads 82 in electrical communication with sensor head circuit 84 enabled with NFC (near field communication) for wirelessly communicating with apparatus circuit 36 the information obtained from the sensor head 78 of striker 32.

Referring to FIG. 10, shown is an enlarged partial view of the striker sensor head. The striker 32 comprises a longitudinal body portion 72 having a handle on one end and fastening element 76 for attaching sensor head 78 thereto having sensors 80 and sensor leads 82 in electrical communication with sensor head circuit 84 enabled with NFC (near field communication) for wirelessly communicating with apparatus circuit 36 the information obtained from the sensor head 78 of striker 32.

Referring to FIG. 11, shown in an enlarged view of the sensor head circuit. Circuit 84 incorporates NFC whereby sensor head 78 having sensors 80 in electrical communication with circuit 84 via circuit leads 82, transmits the impact data to apparatus circuit 36, which then determines whether the correct target was impacted, whether the impact occurred during target illumination, calculates pressure applied to target and displays target execution information as user feedback.

Referring to FIG. 12, shown is a motor skills workout apparatus that the user impacts with their hands. The present invention envision a motor skills workout apparatus for boxers/martial arts where the workout apparatus housing 34 comprises base 44, memory retentive resistive element 64 and target area 52 shaped as a human upper torso having a plurality of targets 54 with LED lightpath bore 56 with the user striking the illuminated target with their fist. Further provided is motor 96 for rotating 98 the upper torso portion enabling a user to work on footwork moving around the workout device as predetermined targets are illuminated according to the predefined software module being executed. Further more the present invention provides that the targets incorporate compressible material, such as piezoelectric material that upon impact generates current that is used to measure force of impact upon the desired target. It is also provided that the illumination programming uses various colors with only one designated as the target color with the others used to strengthen decision making abilities and eye hand coordination.

Referring to FIG. 13, show is an embodiment of the present invention used as a tactile measuring device used as physical therapy rehabilitative device. Shown is a folding table-like device having base 44, target area 52 with a plurality of targets 54 each having target indicator 56 with targets 54 using piezoelectric material in electrical communication with device circuit. The piezoelectric material upon impact generates a measurable current calculated to target pressure applied. Also shown is display 46 and speaker 48. As a rehabilitative device, the programming may have a desired pressure value with the programming using different colors to denote task results. As an example, one color designates desired impact target, another color for task completed, and another color may indicate insufficient target pressure applied with some encouraging message on display 46. Illuminating targets with various colors enables the user to work not on the physical aspects but also the mental aspects of rehabilitative recovery. Furthermore, the NFC capability of the device circuit enables smartphone apps that may transmit the task results to medical professionals and or physical therapists.

Referring to FIG. 14, shown is a block diagram of the motor skills workout apparatus used in conjunction with a striker. In the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is a motor skills workout apparatus 20 having processor, memory, computer application and storage with a plurality of pressure measuring target 54 each incorporating force transducer and LED indicator. Also provided is a transceiver using Bluetooth, WIFI, or other NFC protocol so that the workout apparatus is provided with Internet access through a smartphone, or storing of apparatus user data through a smartphone app, as well as receive striker data that is stored within the workout apparatus.

As aforementioned, the present invention provides computer application means that when used in conjunction with apparatus 20 and striker 32 enables batting practice that can focus on a particular type of pitch, such as curveball, fastball, sinker, knuckleball, etc. or a random compilation of pitches to enhance the batters reaction time.

Referring to FIG. 15, shown is an enlarged force transducer having a plurality of different color LED's. Illustrated is a plurality of pressure sensor 80 actuated LED's 58 so that a particular force vector is instantly conveyed as a color tone to the user visually so that a desired force vector can be developed through a desired color tone. Four LED's generate nine possible color tones.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 

1. A batting practice device, comprising: a computer controlled batting target having a plurality of illuminable target elements randomly illuminated by a computer program, each target element of said plurality of illuminable target elements comprising an impact portion with a centrally-disposed illuminable portion for providing illumination of each said target element and a compression element providing feedback when said impact portion is impacted.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the batting target comprises a circuit having a power source, memory and software in electrical communication with a control module, whereby the batter can actuate the control module and select from a plurality of pitching programs.
 3. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a control module, whereby a batter is able to select a particular pitching program from a plurality of pitching programs, including at least one of a fast ball, knuckle ball, slider, curve, high ball, low ball, inside pitch, outside pitch and a completely random program that will illuminate any of the illuminable target elements.
 4. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the batting target comprises a base as an anchor to prevent movement of the batting target during use. 5-6. (canceled)
 7. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a message display on the computer controlled batting target to provide feedback to a batter after the batter impacts one of the target elements.
 8. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein the feedback comprises an actuator, such as a sensor, that displays a computer programmed message on both a monitor and target display, whereby the monitor can be used by the computer program to display a pitcher pitching a ball at the batting target, whereby in realistic time one of the target elements will illuminate. 